Law enforcement has made it clear combating firearm-related crime requires both law enforcement vigilance and public cooperation. Six suspects will appear in various courts on Monday (12/1) for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in separate incidents.

In Vrede and Marquard, police responded to tip-offs from concerned community members, leading to the seizure of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. On Thursday (8/1) police received information about a suspect allegedly carrying a firearm at a local bottle store.

Upon searching the individual, police recovered a 9mm firearm with ammunition concealed on his waist. The firearm had no licence, and its serial number had been filed off.

Forensic ballistic analysis 

“The weapon will be send for forensic ballistic analysis to determine if it has been used in other crimes,” said Free State police spokesperson Mmako Mophiring.

“The suspect faces charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and is expected to appear in the Vrede Magistrate’s Court on Monday.”

Two days later, Marquard police acted on complaints about a suspect allegedly threatening people with a firearm. Upon arrival, police found a 9mm pistol and ammunition in the suspect’s possession, again without a valid licence.

“The firearm was seized and will be sent for forensic analysis. The suspect has been charged and will also appear in court on Monday.” 

This unlicensed AK-47 was confiscated. Photo supplied

Meanwhile, in North West, police in Bojanala district 2, conducted intelligence-led operations in Rustenburg and Marikana, resulting in four arrests.

On Thursday, a Lesotho national, 35, was arrested in Bleskop informal settlement after a search revealed a rifle and ammunition. The next day, a man, 22, was found with an unlicensed AK-47, and a second suspect was arrested with 25 rounds of ammunition.

Additionally, a man, 27, was detained for immigration violations. The operation concluded in Marikana with the arrest of a suspect linked to a murder case in Rustenburg, who was found with a 9mm pistol and ammunition.

“Preliminary investigations have linked this suspect to a murder case reported in Rustenburg during October 2025,” said North West police spokesperson Adéle Myburgh.

“All suspects are expected to appear before the Rustenburg and Brits Magistrates’ Courts, respectively, on Monday.”

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